At Elstead we are very fortunate to have a first-class team looking after our ground and senior players who value the juniors. The first’s made sure the U15 team was able to proceed today by putting the covers on last night and Pat was superb to be down early to cut and roll the pitch. Thank you.

The toss did not go Elstead’s way and Bracknell chose to bowl. Elstead would have chosen to field too. No point to dwell on decisions, the top order got Elstead off to a great start scoring at 7 plus and offering very little to the opposition. Bracknell, with a very subcontinent look, then brought on the spinners who pulled the run rate back, making it difficult for Elstead to push for the predicted score of 180-200. Elstead were tamed to good but possible total of 137. The standout batting came from Danny who retired on 51 and at the death of the innings facing only 3 balls, Archie put in a flurry of 9 runs, possibly taking it out of Bracknell’s reach.

Rufus opened with the best first over, I have ever seen him bowl. However, Bracknell soon found their feet and the opening pair started to find momentum scoring freely despite good bowling by Elstead. Needing something to pick the team up, the big break came after the break when Danny found the gap and two balls later, an accurate throw from Seb on the boundary, sent the new batter straight back to the pavilion. By now, one could be forgiven for thinking they were at the Oval as the noise levels stepped up a few notches. A strong 13th over for Bracknell, swung the game into their favour, who needed 40 from 42 balls, and a current run rate of 7.46. Two tight overs, conceding just 6, swung things in Elstead’s direction. A wicket in the next by Jake and a great stop in the field by Charlie put the match in the balance. 18 required at the start of the 18th it was anyone’s game, however sharp fielding and a tight 19th over restricted Bracknell to only 6. Next, Jonty Rhodes seem to be step onto the field for Elstead, as Nathan dived to save a four on the boundary, taking the match out of reach for Bracknell.

The team has secured their first victory of the season! Congratulations to everyone—you truly earned this win.